At the end of his June 18 general audience, which was celebrated in St. Peter”s Square, the Pope addressed some remarks to participants in the International Eucharistic Congress being held in Quebec, Canada, from 15 to 22 June on the theme: “The Eucharist: gift of God for the life of the world.”

“I am spiritually present at this most solemn ecclesial meeting", he said, “and I trust it will be a time rich in prayer, reflection and contemplation of the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist, for the Christian communities of Canada and for the Universal Church. May it also be a propitious moment in which to reaffirm the Church’s faith in the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.”

Benedict XVI concluded his remarks by expressing the hope that the congress "may revive in believers – not just in Canada but in many other nations in the world – an awareness of the evangelical and spiritual values that have forged their identity.”